Souvenir and official programme: in connection with the arrival of the Battle Cruiser H.M.A.S. "Australia" (18,000 tons) (flagship of Rear-Admiral Commanding the Australian Fleet) and the Light Cruiser H.M.A.S. "Sydney" (5,400 tons), in Western Australian waters (Princess Royal Harbour, Albany) : Rear-Admiral Sir George Edwin Patey, K.C.V.O., in command.
Perth: A. Curtis, 1913. First printing. Pamphlet. A scarce program brochure pertaining to the early Australian Navy, just three years after its creation in 1910 by the passage of the Naval Defense Act. The demand for an autonomous Australian navy, independent of the British Admiralty had been growing since about 1907 when Prime Minister Deakin had sought British approval, which was initially rejected. However, following the enthusiastic Australian public reaction to the visit of the American Great White Fleet, the tide had turned, and by 1910 the HMAS Parramatta and the Yarra were both launched. The commander for the new Royal Australian Navy was Admiral George Edwin Patey, Rear Admiral Commanding HM Australian Fleet, on loan from the Royal Navy.
The brochure with first page listing 19 ships and 2 submarines, including the first and second ships Parramatta and Yarra; arrangements in connection with the public visiting the warships at Albany; a list of the officials of athletic sports; the programme for athletic sports (14 events including a wheelbarrow race); a center spread with large b&w photographic image titled "HMAS " Australia" Our Dreadnought" Battle Cruiser" with red, white & blue cord page marker, & with text at right and left margins; officials for aquatic sports and programme for aquatic sports; and general arrangements Sept. 20th - 26th. Other photographic illustrations in the brochure include: The Swan River, St. George's Terrace, Perth; apple picking in Albany; Queen's Gardens, Perth; Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie; The Golden Mile; The Western Australian "Ascot" at Perth; A View of the jetty at Bunbury; Perth's King's Park; Victory Quay, Fremantle.
8vo, 12 pp. String bound. Pale pink printed wrappers, title in black at front wrapper; rear wrapper with photographic illustration of 5 views of caves in Yallingup District, Busselton, WA. A bit bumped base of spine, wrappers a bit sunned. Internally, very good. Libraries Australia ID 24072493 one copy Victoria State Library. Very good condition. Item #21074
Price: $750.00